Mental retardation is classified as having an IQ score below 67. Many disorders cause this condition, including ones that begin at birth or manifest later because of an accident. In addition to slowing development, these disorders may cause physical handicaps. Disabled individuals may need help and support on a regular basis to handle day to day tasks. Special needs programs are set up in schools for students living with these conditions. As disabled individuals become adults, they may move into a group home. A group home allows these individuals to get the constant care and attention they need.

Down's Syndrome - Down's Syndrome is the result of a newborn having an additional copy of chromosome 21. This mental disorder causes mental and physical disabilities involving lower IQs, delayed motor development and poor muscle tone.

Cerebral Palsy - Cerebral palsy is classified as a group of disorders that involve the brain and nervous system. This may affect someone's movement and thinking capabilities. Those with cerebral palsy may have learning disorders and physical handicaps.

Autism - Autism is a disorder that causes individuals to have a difficult time communicating and controlling their behavior. Mannerisms may include repetitive movement, resistant to change, compulsive behavior and limited focus.

Traumatic Brain Injury - TBI may lead to mental retardation and occurs when an external force injures the head and causes extensive damage. Causes may include falls, violence and accidents. This can create both a diminished learning capacity and loss of physical control in some areas of the body.

Schizophrenia - Schizophrenia is a mental illness that causes delusions, hallucinations, bizarre behavior and diminished cognitive functioning. This disorder often manifests in adolescence or early adulthood.

Mentally retarded children and adults may need a place to call home, where they can get the medical care and physical therapy they require. Mental retardation and disabled homes provide just that: a safe environment where residents can be sure to get round-the-clock medical care and supervision, no matter where they place on the disability spectrum. Some are in need of greater care due within a facility to the severity of their condition. Others are higher functioning and can care for themselves to a higher degree.
These homes can care for those with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and other special health needs. Residents may require wheelchairs to get around, while others can move about on their own. Depending on their difficulties, they may have personal nurses who tend to their medical and personal care needs. Others don’t need quite so much attention but do need a presence in the home at least once per day to ensure all learning, social, and medical needs are being met.
Professionals within mental retardation and disabled community homes can help those with a range of special needs disabilities, injuries, and other challenges. They may employ general physical or occupational therapy within a clinical or home setting, with different education programs assisting each retarded individual. They may take the form of camps where patients come to engage in fun learning and social development activities on a regular basis and be with others who have cerebral palsy or autism.
Handicapped adults and children can engage in programs that get them interacting with others in social situations, as well as learning environments where basic skills are taught. Those who are autistic may place in various ranges on the autism spectrum. Some may be higher functioning autistics, such as those with Asperger’s Syndrome, while others are more severely autistic.